Can RCW 19.100.180 supersede the Belocal franchise agreement in Washington?

According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, RCW 19.100.180 may supersede the franchise agreement in Washington for Belocal franchisees. Specifically, the FDD states that this statute could take precedence in matters concerning the termination and renewal of the franchise agreement. This means that certain terms within the franchise agreement regarding termination and renewal might not be enforceable if they conflict with the provisions of RCW 19.100.180.

This provision is included as an amendment to the standard Belocal franchise agreement for franchisees in Washington state. The amendment explicitly states that in the event of any conflict of laws, the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, Chapter 19.100 RCW, will take precedence. This ensures that Belocal franchisees in Washington are protected by their state's franchise laws, which may offer greater protections than the standard franchise agreement.

Furthermore, the FDD notes that court decisions could also supersede the franchise agreement, particularly in the areas of termination and renewal. This acknowledges that judicial interpretations of franchise law can further modify the enforceability of specific clauses in the franchise agreement. Belocal franchisees should be aware of these potential overrides and consult with legal counsel to understand their rights and obligations under Washington law.

In practical terms, this means a prospective Belocal franchisee in Washington needs to carefully review both the franchise agreement and RCW 19.100.180 to understand their rights regarding termination and renewal. They should also stay informed about any relevant court decisions that could impact the enforcement of the franchise agreement. This clause provides an added layer of protection for franchisees in Washington, ensuring that state law and judicial precedent can override conflicting terms in the franchise agreement.